Tappahannock Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

According to theVirginia Department of Motor Vehicles, 1,778 people were injured in motorcycle crashes in 2014 alone. This statistic is especially alarming because injuries sustained in motorcycle crashes tend to be particularly severe, leaving many victims permanently disabled.

Most motorcycle accidents are the result of at least one person’s negligence, so if you were injured in a crash caused by someone else’s careless or reckless behavior, it is critical to speak with an experienced Tappahannock motorcycle accident lawyer who can explain your legal options.

Motorcycle Accident Causes

Although motorcycle crashes can occur in a variety of situations, most accidents between motorcyclists and motorists involve head-on collisions. In many cases, these crashes are the result of a driver making a left-hand turn and colliding with a motorcycle that is either passing the vehicle on the left or traveling through the intersection in the opposite direction. Because motorcycles are so much smaller than passenger vehicles, many drivers fail to see them when changing lanes or turning. This size difference also makes it risky to closely follow a motorcycle, as rear-end collisions between cars and motorcyclists often result in serious injuries.

Road defects, such as potholes, uneven road surfaces, loose gravel, and cracked asphalt can also prove dangerous for unsuspecting motorcyclists. In these cases, an injured party may be able to hold the city or state accountable if a government employee or maintenance crew knew of the dangerous road condition yet failed to fix it. Unfortunately, filing a claim against the government is complicated and requires compliance with specific procedural guidelines. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a road defect, it is imperative that you contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who can walk you through the filing process.

Common Injuries

Motorcyclists run a higher risk of sustaining serious andlife-threatening injuries than other motorists because they do not have the advantages of airbags and seat belts. They are also more exposed to other vehicles and the road. Because they do not have the benefit of multiple layers of steel between them and the road or other vehicles, even minor collisions between motorists and motorcyclists can result in devastating injuries, including:

Compound bone fractures

Road rash

Severe lacerations

Abrasions and contusions

Amputations

Facial fractures

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

Spinal cord injuries

Organ damage

Treating motorcycle injuries can be extremely expensive and often requires:

Emergency transportation and treatment

Multiple surgeries

Prescription medications

Physical therapy

Hospital stays

Nursing care

These costs can quickly drive an injured party and his or her family into debt, as motorcycle accident victims are usually unable to work immediately following their crash. In fact, many injured parties are required to take weeks or even months off work, which can make it impossible to stay on top of medical bills and household costs. Fortunately, motorcycle accident victims whose crashes were caused by someone else’s negligent or reckless conduct can be compensated by the responsible parties for:

Past and future medical expenses

Lost wages

Loss of future income

Property damage

Pain and suffering

Motorcycle Helmet Laws

In Virginia, all motorcyclists, including passengers, must wear helmets that meet federal standards. To be sure, a motorcyclist who fails to wear a helmet significantly increases his or her chances of severe injury in an accident. In fact, states with no mandatory helmet laws have a much higher rate of head injuries amongst motorcyclists involved in crashes. In 2012,Michigan repealed its helmet law by permitting motorcyclists over the age of 21 to opt out of wearing a helmet when riding. Within weeks of the repeal, hospitals noticed a drastic increase in the number of severe head injuries sustained by motorcyclists. Tragically, motorcyclistdeaths quadrupled, and the percentage of those who passed away and were not wearing helmets increased from 14 to 68 percent. Hospital administrators also reported that as many as 10 percent of motorcyclists who failed to wear a helmet and were hospitalized passed away due to their injuries. In comparison, only 3 percent of riders who had been wearing helmets at the time of their crashlost their lives.

Wearing a helmet does not guarantee that a person will avoid injuries or death in a motorcycle crash, but it can significantly increase a motorcyclist’s safety and chances of survival in the event of a crash.

Call Us Today to Speak with an Experienced Tappahannock Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that leave victims permanently disabled or disfigured. The last thing these individuals should have to worry about is how they’ll pay the bills, especially if they were injured because of someone else’s negligence. At Emroch & Kilduff, we understand the stress and anxiety a person can feel after being involved in a motorcycle accident. We dedicate ourselves to easing our clients’ burdens by helping them seek the compensation that they deserve. If you or a loved one was recently injured in a motorcycle accident, please contact us today to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. If you‘d rather schedule a consultation in person, feel free to stop by our Tappahannock office at your earliest convenience.

Client Testimonial

“I had a really great experience with Ward and his staff. He constantly kept me up to date with my case and allowed me to put alot of money in my pocket which helped me with my bills. I am forever grateful to this firm for how they handled my accident. I hope I never get injured again but if I do I know who I am calling. Thanks again Ward and staff!”

The personal injury attorneys of Emroch & Kilduff specialize in cases involving: burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, loss of limb, wrongful death, truck accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, work place accidents and defective products. The information provided in this website is offered for informational purposes only. It is not offered as and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship will begin until after a contract has been agreed upon between Emroch &ampl Kilduff, LLP and the potential client. You may reproduce materials available at this site for your own personal use and for non-commercial distribution. All copies must include this copyright statement.